With the start of the 2022 HFNL season fast approaching, the weekly wrap of our homegrown stars and how they are faring at AFL level is below.
Willem Drew
Home Club: Koroit
AFL Club: Port Adelaide
Stats: 10 kicks, 13 handballs, 1 mark
Was productive for the Power in a disappointing effort against Hawthorn. Nine tackles exemplified his effort, while he also got his hands on the ball as showcased by his 23 disposal tally.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
Home Club: South Warrnambool
AFL Club: Western Bulldogs
Stats: 5 kicks, 1 handball, 2 marks
The 2020 number one pick made his first appearance of the year in his side’s loss to Carlton. Had multiple opportunities in front of goal, finishing with one goal and two behinds
Sam Walsh
Home Club: Cobden
AFL Club: Carlton
Stats: 11 kicks, 23 handballs, 2 marks
Walsh’s return from a syndesmosis injury sustained in the pre-season was customary of the player has he become. He finished the night with 34 disposals and four tackles and was one of the Blues best as they produced their best start to a campaign in a decade.
Zach Merrett
Home Club: Cobden
AFL Club: Essendon
Stats: 17 kicks, 14 handballs, 4 marks
Produced a mammoth game for the Bombers, racking up 31 touches and a goal before he was subbed out with a syndesmosis injury. Is set to spend six to eight weeks on the sidelines and will leave a big hole in Essendon’s midfield.
Rowan Marshall
Home Club: Portland
AFL Club: St Kilda
Stats: 4 kicks, 5 handballs, 3 marks
Marshall was influential at the stoppages, losing the overall hit-out tally by two despite going up against Sean Darcy and Lloyd Meek.
Hugh McCluggage
Home Club: South Warrnambool
AFL Club: Brisbane Lions
Stats: 9 kicks, 10 handballs, 6 marks
The South export was prominent in front of goal, finishing with three goals from 19 touches from the wing. Was named in the best as the Lions triumphed by 22 points.
Sean Darcy
Home Club: Cobden
AFL Club:
Stats: 4 kicks, 6 handballs, 3 marks
Was overshadowed by Saints opponent Rowan Marshall in the ruck, finishing with 12 hitouts and 10 touches in the Dockers 10 point defeat. Sustained an ankle injury in the third quarter and was eventually subbed out but is a chance to play in the Western Derby this weekend.
Jamaine Jones
Home Club: Portland
AFL Club: West Coast Eagles
Expected to be available for selection this weekend after missing the Eagles clash with North Melbourne after entering the league’s health and safety protocols.
Gary Rohan
Home Club: Cobden
AFL Club: Geelong
Currently sidelined with a back and hip injury sustained during the pre-season.
Ben Cunnington
Home Club: Cobden
AFL Club: North Melbourne
Sidelined indefinitely with testicular cancer.
